2 Among the most … I just want to say i really enjoy this little community we have here at r/adderall. If I want to advence at my field I have to study. Don't be discouraged if it takes a while to find the right dosage and medication but don't rush it either. I graduated from college with a 2.45 and am now a straight-A graduate student. I've been diagnosed in the past for adhd but have never taken meds by choice. Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you <3. I know it's different for everyone but I can honestly say that even after a week I have noti… Like mood swings or gave you anxiety. It was 1991. It made me feel depressed and even more foggy than usual. Thank you for sharing your experience. I was no longer getting in trouble at school; I was able to concentrate on what my coaches were telling me during gym practice; everything got clearer. Oh man I’m one of those parents - is there a subreddit for parents of young kids just diagnosed with ADHD that I just haven’t been able to find yet? Over a million users here say they 'feel at home' and 'finally found a place where people understand them'. Wow that's amazing!! It can be life altering, but it isn't a cure. Now my husband has left me and our then teenaged adopted son, so once again, I am getting my life together so I can keep food on the table. I hope it helps me too like it helped you :). I called my mom I was so excited haha and I'm 24, so I understand. Would love some more detail about what it does for you. While in a perfect world I’d be on no medication, I have to recommend Adderall for anyone whose suffering from ADHD, because it has changed my overall quality of life for the best. I’m so grateful my parents realized I was showing symptoms of ADHD and that I was diagnosed at such a young age. Medication is a tool for you to use. I felt like I could have been more social and grown more as a person but I was hindered by something I didn't understand. I am not pretending to be one. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. That’s amazing! Medication changed my life When I was 14 I was diagnosed as ADHD. Stimulants can be risky for people with high blood pressure or heart problems, for example, and these problems are increasingly common as … The medication also induced anxiety, but I preferred anxiety over how I was off my meds. The Medication's Duration Is Unique to You. Unfortunately this also caused my liver enzymes to go out of whack. I’m so happy for you! One of the biggest things are the physiological benefits. Diagnosed with ADD/ADHD a combination type and started vyvanse..ended up with a 4.0 and on the deans list. Thank you for sharing. The only part of my personality that has changed are the negative aspects: I'm less socially anxious and awkward. I can see if I only had meds and never acquired knowledge, experience, and wisdom than the meds would have limited effect. Posted by 2 years ago. Getting back on my medication saved my life. Like a conversation I was having with a colleague was interrupted and I just moved on and later when I saw her again, I told her what I needed to tell her. I am focused and organised for the first time ever.” It felt like I had been living in a fog my entire life and within minutes it had cleared up and I could finally see more than two feet in front of me. I’m sure there are parents that lurk here that have heard from people around them how “terrible” ADHD meds are - hearing how much they helped you may make them feel more comfortable having their kids use them. I also don't have health insurance, so that's another issue. Has your medication made an overall positive impact in your life? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I was diagnosed at 21 after having an abysmal semester in college and my special education professor(ha) suggested I get tested. I eventually got a job driving powered equipment and had to stop taking it for a year. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ... the right medication has turned my life around, and – at last – I … Don’t get discouraged if the first type of medication you try is the right fit. I was afraid ADHD medication would zombify me, so I avoided it for years -- in retrospect I think of all the angst I would not have suffered over the years. If you could ask a more specific question I could answer. Over a million users here say they 'feel at home' and 'finally found a place where people understand them'. I can honestly say the diagnosis has saved my life and my marriage. moment, but it was amazing! Many people, myself included, have to fine tune the meds and even try a few different formulations before you hit bingo territory. \"Hi all diagnosed with ADHD after researching after a diagnosis been a roller coaster for me. Now I do administrative record management and in the process of renewing my prescription. Medication allows me to do what I know I should do actually occur. I see a lot of people who don't understand drugs with a lot to say about them. Not to say it is all sunshine and happiness, but I can see the path I should take instead of wandering around. I don't understand your question "What happens if you can't get more?" I honestly can say they’ve changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. These, of course, comprise the kinds of complaints people with ADHD … I would be really interested to hear more about this and see some data. =). When I'm in the mood to goof off and I take my medication, it can often lead to me goofing off really well and in a really dedicated manner. Thank you for sharing this. Adderall Changed my Life. Because ADHD medication typically take an hour to kick in, he is essentially ‘off’ medication for an hour after he’s taken his first dose of the day. Everything else is just as important. I’ve always had a bit of anxiety but it is worsened a bit by taking concerta I believe.... it’s still so worth it in my opinion though, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. It wasn't that I didn't want to listen or pay attention, but that I just couldn't. Weekly threads to plan and notice the positive in our lives. ADHD medication works differently in different kids. I've tried just about every medication throughout my 10+ years struggling with ADHD and Dexedrine seems to be the most effective and sustainable for every day long term use. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder diagnosed in roughly 10 percent of school-aged children and adolescents. Sometimes certain meds make me more able to start focusing but the same meds can in some certain times can make my anxiety worse. It gives me hope! Isn't it kind of like being an athlete taking performance enhancing drugs? There are many types of ADD and ADHD medications, including stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants. Research into the mysteries of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is booming. Congratulations and I hope you grow and learn and find out who you are <3. Thank you for sharing this!! New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. When it came to my written work my first drafts my wife, who was gracious enough to help me edit, noticed that they made much more sense and needed far less effort to get in to an intelligible form. Don’t give up until you have that revolutionary moment where it feels like your head is finally clear. In my experience, I truly feel that if you really actually have ADHD, medication should have a roll in your life. This time I will look for a doctor who will prescribe some ADD medication for me. I didn't ever have an appetite. Exactly! There were drawbacks. I remember I took it in the car on my way to a hockey game and I thought nothing of it until about 40 minutes after when in the middle of a conversation with my mom I began to really hear her and process everything she was saying, without distraction from the sounds of the car and the radio. My ADHD made me feel like I observed my childhood and teen years, rather than actually participate in it. I can focus at work. Kids grow and their metabolism can change. Compare and contrast the various types of ADHD … It didn’t take long, though, for the monotony to get to me. I've tried Ritalin IR, LA, Concerta, Vyvanse and Dexedrine, and Concerta was my least favorite of them. Kids with ADHD — and especially black kids with ADHD — were treated like outsiders. Where normally I would struggle to even write out simple sentences I write a paragraph. Posted by Author Brian Mendler Posted on July 9, 2014 October 26, 2017 0 0. I can safely say I'm now not living day by day cause I have to, but that I can live each day right now with purpose is a blessing to me. I was on 72+56 mg (morning+afternoon) before switching to vyvanse. By early 2017, more than 31,000 research studies and papers had been published in medical journals about this most-common childhood mental disorder that now affects an estimated one in 12 kids and teens 1 —and persists for one in 25 adults. • HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE ADULT ADHD. Back then I was just a little girl with chubby knees waiting for my lost tooth to grow back in. Through inspiring me to become an author/advocate and help others in their journey. ), bringing my overall grade up to an A, the first A in math I ever got in my whole life. Thank you so much <3 it’s been a long road but I’m in college now giving it my best shot! I've a lot of cardio sessions tracked and the performance increase has been ridiculous. Medication is a tool for you to use. ADHD Medication Changed My Life. This is true whether your child just started taking medication or has been using the same one for a while. A place where people with ADHD and their loved ones can interact with each other exchanging stories, struggles, and non-medication strategies. It was very hard to eat lunch. All because a counselor (with a masters in social work) noticed what I was going through and recognized it as ADHD. If I never start the work though, I'm fucked. It helps with motivation, it helps with memory, coordination, mental flexibility (how many things I can keep in mind without forgetting or getting overwhelmed) and stay on track. I've been on 10 MG XR adderall for 2 years and havn't needed an increase in dose. I took the battery of test and was determined to have a 99.9% probability of having ADD. This may be a dumb question, but how do you go about being diagnosed at this age? There's even more to consider: Even if a person's ADHD never improves, it might not be wise to keep them on ADHD medications as they age. When I was 14 I was diagnosed as ADHD. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Stimulant medication hijacked my long and winding path to suicide. I became quieter, more organized and I finally stopped losing my keys. You can read the series’ introductory post here. Just because a pill is listed as controlling ADHD … I am not a doctor. But i guess you can't argue with results. Press J to jump to the feed. Was there ever any type of medication that gave you negative side effects? I was diagnosed with ADHD at 25 but I opted out from getting medicated for some stupid reason. Not as grand of an "ah ha!" Double digit percentage decrease in both cholesterol and bodyfat. The visual buzz quietens – I can actually focus on things without needing to deploy visualization minimization strategies, such as looking down when I walk, or finding material to occupy my mind, like reading. One study of college students found that those with ADHD scored better on tests that measured creativity, such as drama, … I am more content with life and less reckless in my actions. For the first time in a few years I can confidently say I'm not depressed, thanks to medication. This is part of why I get frustrated when kids are like “oh I’ll just pop a Ritalin and finish the essay after partying lol” because it actually brings us up to normal and we dont get unnecessary advantage from it. This is not to say medicine is a cure all. I’ve been on Concerta so long that I can’t tell if I have side effects or if it’s just me lol. Meds allow me to use CBT prior to meds I could list all the step for CBT but they were not used in daily life like an exercise bike that is never used. My story and how my ADHD Diagnosis and Medication did a 180° on my life! Hey guys. Change won’t come overnight — but the more you know, the more you can be prepared to reduce the effects of ADHD on your life. • It wasn’t all that bad. So it has definitely made a positive impact in my life. Stopped drink, this led to depression which lead to psychological treatment and ADHD was diagnosed. Where normally I would attempt each question, get stuck, and just submit what I had I can finish everything. Adderall has changed my life. I was calmer and able to focus. Rave. Sparkle on beautiful people! Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine): “Zenzedi is my favorite ADHD medication by far little side effects lasts a long time no strange tolerance build up either, I take it in the morning and it works 100x better than Mydaysis, Adderall brand or not, the weird chewable one, and Vyvanse. We went to Ritalin first didn't make any changes then doctor put me on Concerta same as Ritalin no real positive response so he has just started me on Strattera 60mg for the first week then up to 120mg I haven't experienced any negative effects apart from slight nausea but usually settle down quickly. I don't wake up everyday wondering what I'm going to do with my life. I felt the same way when i started with my meds. My life is far from perfect, but I no longer wish I didn't exist. It was at that moment that i knew what listening really was. Just wanted to share this: if Concerta starts to have odd side effects (which it often can, with extended use) I highly recommend Dexedrine. The first time I took Concerta (methylphenidate) changed my life forever. Fast forward ~12 years and I'm now in graduate school getting my masters. I thought everything was sorta okay before, but now life is amazing. It is a subjective conscious experience that each person should judge for themselves. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. I got meds and it helped...though I got laid off anyway. Although I was officially diagnosed, a part of me still doubted it and feared that I was just stupid. Learn the signs that your child's ADHD medication isn't working properly and needs to be adjusted or changed. It was really emotional for me because I had been told my whole life that I was lazy/a bad listener etc. My life changed dramatically when I started taking ADHD medication. Adult ADHD manifests itself in a wide range of ways. I'm 31 now. In 2015, I came across two advocates who changed my life: Rick Green at TotallyADD, and How to ADHD’s Jessica McCabe. Before taking medication I was always getting into trouble. • Forgetfulness and continually losing things. I am currently starting on Concerta on a relatively low dose of 36mg but I have yet to see significant change. For hours 2-8 after I take medication I can just do my examples sheets. I was diagnosed with ADHD in fifth grade. This put a smile on my face, thanks for sharing! Weekly threads to plan and notice the positive in our lives. I was prescribed Concerta and ever since I have been a completely better person. I’m really glad that you didn’t stay on the meds that weren’t working as well. They tried me on Adderall first in different dosages and I reacted badly to it. ADHD medication works differently in different kids. There's a silver lining to ADHD. This makes me so happy! That day I went home and cleaned my room right away (something I always wanted to do but never had the motivation or focus) everything was becoming so clear and I finally felt I had the ability to have a successful life. I started taking ADD medication relatively late in life, at least for … This is exactly what happened to me. While I was always smart enough, I probably would have ended up doing terrible in school. Dropped out of first year in polytechnic here and my mother finally let me get tested, am now on Concerta and my relationship with my parents, teachers and fellow peers has improved tremendously. I believe everyone with ADHD who is physically able to should try medication before deciding wether or not to make medication a part of their life. Taking ADHD Medication Didn't "Change Me" I can speak forever on this subject, but there's one final (I think) very important thing to touch on about this. My son locked onto his dose from day one, the lucky bastard. In these cases, you might try briefly awakening your child about 45 minutes before his usual wake-up time. Close. For reference, I was diagnosed when I was 29. I was 7 years old the first time I was diagnosed with ADHD. Within the first week of taking it my math test grade went up 10 points from what my average had been (10 points! A place where people with ADHD and their loved ones can interact with each other exchanging stories, struggles, and non-medication strategies. It can be life altering, but it isn't a cure. I see a lot of people who don't understand drugs with a … Ritalin has changed my life. I get less overwhelmed in certain circumstances, I can order my thoughts more clearly so my general conversation is less chaotic, I don't get fatigued like I used to in social circumstances or when a lot of concentration is needed. My life has totally changed. My story and how my ADHD Diagnosis and Medication did a 180° on my life! This is the second story in a series exploring adult ADHD. So many kids are expected to ‘grow out’ of ADHD and end up self medicating as adults. What does it feel like to be on ADHD medication? Here are some of the symptoms. I could function just fine before, but now I function fine without so much energy needed to maintain that level. Do you mean, today I didn't take my pill, or OMG I can never have it again because they don't exist anymore. Archived. I don't go chasing the high; I use it to allow my thoughts to … The reality is that without taking them you can't know what they do. Good luck with everything <3, Thank you for sharing! Last medically reviewed on June 21, 2019 If you think people with ADHD face stigma now, it’s a walk in the park compared to what it was then. That includes a lot of people with shitty doctors and bad medication experiences. After 5 years on different meds, I started a new one yesterday and I felt a little like you did! Or when you tell someone that you have adhd and they say, “haha me too”. see these responses are very interesting I have also abstained from medication by choice . Rave. A couple weeks after my boss dropped the bombshell, I was diagnosed with ADHD. There are three main subgroups of ADHD: Predominantly inattentive ADHD: inattention … However, my severe ADHD and tremendous personal success on medication make me a … Well it was kinda useless, CBT requires thinking, thinking requires stopping and paying attention. Some doctors recommend checkups several times a year and sometimes as often as once a month. I immediately felt a huge amount of relief because it meant there was a real reason for my shitty grades and the “quirky”, forgetful, clumsy personality I was always so ashamed of. It was the most AMAZING thing. However, since my son was diagnosed with ADHD, I have read enough to convince me that I too have ADD. Administer the medication, then let him go back to sleep. In just a few months, the right medication has turned my life around, and - at last - I feel like I am thriving. I learned CBT prior to medicine and even being diagnosed with ADHD. 43. Tears started to come to my eyes as I realized that it was true, I really did have adhd and medication actually could help me. Yes, my mouth has always been my biggest challenge and has caused me tremendous social/professional problems. I'm calling a psychiatrist first thing tomorrow. My first ADHD medication trial was scheduled for a week after my diagnosis. You were either unhinged and bouncing off the walls or one of those medicated “zombies.” My mother was understandably sc… I just don't know where to go and be taken seriously, since a lot of people seem to think this is only something children experience. Before I was diagnosed I had no confidence whatsoever and I know my life would have been a mess. Lastly, remember that medication is not a cure-all. So gutted I have been so late to get diagnosed and get treatment. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. My life felt like a jigsaw puzzle that I could never quite assemble. But now I know! I believe everyone with ADHD who is physically able to should try medication before deciding wether or not to make medication a part of their life. It's improved my work greatly. For me, it feels like being a person without ADHD. I am so glad it worked well for you!! And the moment I took that medication I knew that it hadn’t been my fault. [Self-Test: Could You Have Adult ADHD?] Finally got diagnosed, could have skipped taking Chinese as a mother tongue in my first ten years of school and gotten extra time for my GCSE if I had gotten it earlier. I immediately felt a huge amount of relief because it meant there was a real reason for my shitty grades and the “quirky”, forgetful, clumsy personality I was always so ashamed of. Biggest difference was cardio performance- gonna make a big post on it in a few months, was a pretty staggering difference. My inability to remember my schedule almost got me fired, but I hung in. Learn the signs that your child's ADHD medication isn't working properly and needs to be adjusted or changed. Hi I’ve been diagnosed with adult adhd and complex trauma I’ve not been given any medication as of yet ,I have read this article and now feel if I speak to my psychiatrist he may try me on adderal as my life has no meaning to me at moment and is not changing .i dnt no why I’ve not been offered adderal and scared to ask but since reading this article I need to be honest … My life changed immediately! The right meds help anxiety, but other meds may cause it. The four days between my diagnosis and starting medication allowed for self-reflection. I never got tested as a kid, but as a 22 year old I strongly believe I have ADHD and have been showing symptoms for many years. I felt like I went through so much growth as an individual and came to know myself and my ADHD all throughout my 20's. To say the diagnosis changed my life is an understatement. I get up and I can do things. I was diagnosed at age 28 in college, and prescribed Concerta. If you read forums on reddit and other places you will see this constant theme of finding it useful for a short period of time initially, then increasing dosage continually over time to try and reproduce the initial result. It was amazing not having so many thoughts running through my head. I was diagnosed as a kid and never took anything. It’s part of the treatment regimen for ADHD. Once you start your meds - stay on them. I'm glad my turned out how it did with my wife and kids and everything, but I realized recently I was going to get fired if I didn't get help. My worry is what happens if you can't get any more? While I was still doing my bachelor degree I found I could sit down and actually read my class readings without constantly losing my place or have my mind wander all the time. I don't interrupt as much and I'm more aware of it when I do. Where normally I would sketch out an answer I write it in full, then write all the assumptions, and explain all the notation. I don't think I would have made it this far academically without the medication. This change is the key root of how I live. Instead of interrupting her when I saw her or forgetting. My ADHD brain craved stimulus that a grocery store couldn’t provide. Carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Some ADHD medications can slow a child’s growth in height, especially during the first 2 years of taking it.